Universal Display Corporation (Nasdaq: OLED), a provider of technology and materials that enable energy-efficient displays and lighting, launched its corporate venture arm.
Headquartered in New York City, UDC Ventures plans to invest in and partner with entrepreneurs, disruptive start-ups and innovative, emerging companies with a focus on technology platforms that have a strong proprietary position and growth potential. Strategic sectors of interest include:
– OLED,
– organic electronics,
– displays,
– lighting,
– materials science, and
– other related areas.
Companies can be at any stage, ranging from pre-commercial stage research and development to early prototypes through late stage, established companies. Investments range from seed funding to later stage growth capital.
UDC Ventures is focused on investing in trends that can impact the technology landscape similar to how OLED technology has impacted the broader display market. It provides the opportunity for its portfolio companies to partner with Universal Display Corporation and its platform of global experts in the fields of IP licensing, materials development and manufacturing and its broad relationships with technology leaders.
Josh Epstein joined as Managing Partner and will be heading the venture effort working closely with the Universal Display management team.
He joins UDC Ventures from Stifel Financial Corp., where he served as Managing Director.
Epstein’s career spans over two decades as an investment banker, heading global practices focused on electronics, digital media and emerging technologies. During his banking career, he worked with a range of IP intensive, technology companies, helping to enable and define new sectors with an expertise in strategic advisory, M&A and capital raising.
Founded in 1994, Universal Display Corporation is a leader in the research, development and commercialization of organic light emitting diode (OLED) technologies and materials for use in display and solid-state lighting applications. The company currently owns, exclusively licenses or has the sole right to sublicense more than 5,000 patents issued and pending worldwide.
Universal Display licenses its proprietary technologies, including its high-efficiency UniversalPHOLED® phosphorescent OLED technology that can enable the development of low power and eco-friendly displays and solid-state lighting. The company also develops and offers UniversalPHOLED materials that are recognized as key ingredients in the fabrication of OLEDs with peak performance. It is based in Ewing, New Jersey, with international offices in China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Wholly-owned subsidiary Adesis, Inc., is based in New Castle, Delaware.
FinSMEs
09/05/2019